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Pipeline Relining

About This Project

The San Diego County Water Authority’s pipelines extend approximately 310 miles to convey water throughout San Diego County. Approximately 82 miles of the pipelines are pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP). These types of pipes were installed between the early 1960s and the late 1980s, servicing many large diameter water distribution systems throughout the world.

Made from a combination of steel and concrete, PCCP is used extensively around the world. It was first used during World War II to help minimize the use of steel, appearing highly resistant to corrosion and able to provide unparalleled inner pipe strength. However, numerous catastrophic failures have occurred with these pipes worldwide. In response, the Water Authority instituted a pro-active 30-year pipeline relining program in 1991 to reinforce the pipes with steel liners. In addition, in 2003 the Water Authority began utilizing an innovative technology, using carbon fiber, to conduct urgent pipeline repairs, helping ensure a safe and reliable water supply to the region.

For an overview of the relining process, watch this video:

ABOUT THIS PROJECT - DETAILS

Pipeline Relining

Pipeline relining is used on long stretches of pipelines and involves inserting new steel liners into an existing pipeline. The new liners, which serve as new pipelines, are anticipated to last approximately 50 to 75 years. Relining the existing pipelines with steel is a quicker, more cost-effective alternative to excavating, removing, and replacing an entire pipeline and generally takes up to a year to complete. To date, the Water Authority has relined nearly 41 miles of PCCP within its service area and is anticipating rehabilitating the approximately 41 remaining miles of PCCP by 2027.

Urgent Carbon Fiber Repairs

Carbon fiber is a synthetic fiber originally developed in the early 1960’s for use in the aerospace industry. Because of its light weight, strength, and speed and ease of installation, it is used in small sections of pipes that are in need of urgent repairs. While currently not as cost-effective as using steel liners to reline longer sections of pipelines, carbon fiber wraps are adhered to the interior of a pipe’s wall, fortifying the pipe and allowing it to quickly be put back into service. Most urgent carbon fiber repairs can be completed within days.

While most relining work is conducted inside the pipe, minimal impacts to the immediate community can occur. In all cases, the Water Authority continuously works to minimize impacts to nearby residents, including noise, dust, traffic and limited access near work sites. When work is complete, areas impacted by construction are restored to their original condition or better.

For more information about the Water Authority’s Pipeline Relining program, please call the 24-hour toll-free project information line at (877) 682-9283, ext. 7005 or email CIPinfo@sdcwa.org. A representative from the project team will return your inquiry within one business day.